Once upon a time this was a group that was on top of the world and yet still took all kinds of bizarre chances, recording shit like lengthy tape experiments and songs about bugs-- often ridiculously self-indulgent, sure, yet always surprising. Now, paradoxically, with the spotlights long since extinguished, Pearl Jam seem content to do things by the book.

Their earlier albums sounded significantly claustrophobic and calculated, but the melodies, riffs and vocals were too good for me to care. Here, there are two songs (Just Breathe,The Fixer) which, even while sounding by-the-numbers, have interesting verses and choruses. The rest songs are both unbelievably calculated and boring.

Out of nowhere, Pearl Jam came out with a subtle taste new wave on Backspacer. It feels so weird seeing a band sound so happy and excited, but it's energetic and refreshing. Above all else it's a band well seasoned just having some fun. Sometimes that's what it's all about.